Big Zeb lands Fortria

Queen Mother hero makes flawless return

Big Zeb has often had problems with his jumping but he was foot-perfect at Navan in the Friends Of Navan Fortria Chase on his first start since winning at Cheltenham in March.

Colm Murphy's giant son of Oscar was settled in second as the outsider of the field, Carhalawn, took them along with main market rival Golden Silver racing in third and Irish Hennessy Gold Cup winner Joncol held up in rear.

The order barely changed as the field were taken along at a steady pace by Carthalawn and it wasn't until the field approached four from home that Barry Geraghty asked his mount to close on the leader.

He outjumped Golden Silver at the final ditch four out and again three from home where Joncol ran down the fence to his right as the pace became too hot for him.

Big Zeb moved alongside heading to the second last before jumping to the lead at the last and he only needed to be driven out under hands and heels to win impressively.

Golden Silver who was a little sticky at a couple of his fences ran on well in the closing stages to take second ahead of the weakening Carthalawn.

Joncol came home in fourth but will be all the better for this seasonal return over an inadequate trip and connections will be happy with his day's work.